JOHNNY KENNY will be in the spotlight when Shamrock Rovers play Chelsea in the Europa Conference League at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night.
The on-loan Celtic striker will be under intense scrutiny from Hoops scouts against the London club before he is scheduled to return to Parkhead when his temporary transfer expires in a fortnight’s time.
Brendan Rodgers has noted the 21-year-old forward has performed well during his stint with the League of Ireland outfit and is prepared to give him a chance to impress him as he prepares to make a move in January’s transfer window, as CQN revealed last month.
PARADISE…Johnny Kenny displays his Celtic shirt after signing from Sligo Rovers in January 2022.
Kenny is in his second spell at Rovers and hit a double in his side’s 3-0 win over Borac Banja Luka at the Tallaght Stadium last night to seal a place in the knock-out stages of the Euro competition.
The youngster, who joined the champions in a £150,000 switch from Sligo Rovers in January 2022, spoke to the media conference after taking his tally to 20 for the Irish club.
Kenny said: “I’m going to go back to Celtic to see where it takes us. But I just want to enjoy the occasion next week.
“The club and players deserve it. I just want to enjoy Christmas and then see what comes in January.
“I think I’m a lot different going back, as you can see from this year.
“But to play for Celtic Football Club, you have to go to another level and that’s what I have to do.
“Obviously, it’s a big ask, but it’s been good this year, very good, but this year will be gone when I go back to Celtic in January so you have to impress there.
HOOPY DAZE…Johnny Kenny celebrates a goal for Shamrock Rovers.
“I just have to go there and show Brendan in training that I’m worth it.”
Rodgers is looking for a third striker to play back-up to Kyogo Furuhashi and Adam Idah who have been alternating this season.
Kenny is still awaiting his first-team competitive debut. He spent some time on loan at Queen’s Park before returning to his homeland with Rovers and could now be on the verge of his long-awaited first appearance for the top side.
